Thefts on Rise at Target Construction Site

The massive construction site that will be home to a has been hit repeatedly by thieves who have damaged equipment and stole materials, according to police reports.

Officers have stepped up patrols, especially in the overnight hours, Police Capt. Jim Adlam said. But there is only so much that can be done without having full-time security present, he added. 

Squad cars can not enter the fenced site, which thieves apparently have jumped over to rummage for copper wire, scrap metal and other materials. 

Officers tried to get fingerprints off the construction vehicles, from which scrap metal was taken, Adlam said.

About $1,275 in materials, including welding cables, copper wire and cords off a submersible pump were taken from the construction site at 12821 W. Blue Mound Rd., between 6 p.m. Oct. 25 and 6 a.m. Oct. 26, reports say.

On Friday morning, contractors called police to report more thefts, including $300 worth of copper, a wrench, torches, tool boxes off the excavators, commercial batteries and more. Two missing $30 batteries were found on the railroad tracks near the site.

Target will be the anchor store for the Underwood Crossing retail center, which also will include a PNC Bank and a yet-to-be announced junior anchor. The 140,000-square-foot Target store is slated to open by next fall.